MARIES COUNTY — Amendment 6 limits lawmakers’ ability to change voter-approved measures

Missouri voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to strengthen protections for citizen-led ballot measures by restricting the General Assembly’s authority to change decisions made at the polls.

Amendment 6 would amend the Missouri Constitution to protect initiative and referendum powers, preserve existing signature and majority-vote requirements, and establish requirements for fair and accurate ballot summaries. The proposal reached the ballot through an initiative petition.

The initiative process allows citizens to collect signatures to propose state laws or constitutional amendments for a public vote. A referendum allows voters to approve or reject legislation. Missouri’s Constitution already provides these powers; Amendment 6 would add protections against legislative interference.

A central provision would prevent lawmakers from directly amending or repealing covered measures adopted through citizen initiatives. Instead, at least 80 percent of each legislative chamber would have to approve referring proposed changes to voters. Those changes would then require voter approval. The proposal also restricts enactment of legislation similar to measures voters rejected by referendum.

The debate follows lawmakers’ 2025 repeal of paid sick leave requirements that voters approved in November 2024. Supporters of Amendment 6 cite that action as an example of why voter decisions need stronger protection. Respect Missouri Voters, the organization backing the amendment, argues that citizen lawmaking provides an essential check on elected officials.

Opponents argue that the restrictions could make problematic policies harder to correct.

What a yes vote means

A yes vote makes it harder for lawmakers to change or repeal measures passed by citizen initiative. Changes would need approval from 80 percent of each legislative chamber, then approval from voters.

What a no vote means

A no vote keeps the current rules. Lawmakers could still change voter-approved state laws. Changes to the Constitution would still require a public vote.

The official fiscal summary estimates no state or local government costs or savings. The measure would not directly increase or decrease taxes.